Brig Gen (ret.) USAF Michael "P." Hickey

Brigadier General (ret.) USAF, Michael P. Hickey, age 80, of East Falmouth, MA, beloved husband of Elizabeth R. Hickey, passed away peacefully at home on February 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in Hartford, CT, on October 4, 1945, Mike was the devoted son of Michael J. Hickey and Catherine (Conroy) Hickey. From a young age, his extraordinary drive, humility, and leadership were unmistakable. A scholar-athlete at Bulkeley High School, he served as co-captain of both the basketball and baseball teams and proudly represented Bulkeley in the 1962 New England High School Basketball Finals at the Boston Garden.

Mike attended Trinity College on a Capital Area Scholarship, earning his Bachelor of Arts in History in 1967. A three-year letterman in both basketball and baseball, he was co-captain of the baseball team and recipient of the Trinity John Sweet Award for highest batting average. His college years reflected the same values that defined his life, dedication, teamwork, and vibrant excellence.

Upon graduation, Mike enlisted in the United States Air Force, answering his nation's call with distinction. An honor graduate of both Officer Training School and Undergraduate Pilot Training, he served as a jet instructor pilot, demonstrating unmatched skill and commitment. When his active-duty service concluded in 1973, he continued to soar, both literally and figuratively, as a C-130 pilot in the Rhode Island Air National Guard, while pursuing a successful 15-year civilian career with the Travelers Insurance Company as an operations manager in data processing and computer science.

Mike's love for aviation was lifelong. During his distinguished 38-year military career, he rose through the ranks with integrity and purpose, serving as Instructor Pilot, Flight Evaluator, Flight Commander, Squadron Commander, and Group Commander. He logged more than 10,000 flight hours and was instrumental in the creation and management of the award-winning Rhode Island National Guard Open House and Air Show, an event that for over 25 years brought joy to countless aviation enthusiasts and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities, especially children's hospitals.

After promotion to Brigadier General, Mike served as Chief of Staff to the Rhode Island National Guard, later becoming Commander of the Rhode Island Air National Guard, Assistant Adjutant General (RING), and Deputy Commander (RING). His deployments included Coronet Oak (South America), Provide Comfort (Sarajevo), and Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. His numerous decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and Rhode Island Star, stand as testament to a lifetime of service, courage, and leadership.

Outside the cockpit, Mike's energy, humor and enthusiasm were boundless. A true sportsman, he played basketball and racquetball well into his fifties, but golf held his heart from an early age. From his early days at Goodwin Park public course in Hartford to his rounds shared with friends across decades, golf was both his challenge and his joy. He was an ardent fan of all Boston sports teams and a lifelong supporter of the UConn Huskies. He continued his love for the sport of baseball as a proud member of the Board of Directors for the Cape Cod Baseball League's Falmouth Commodores.

In retirement, Mike and his beloved wife, Liz, embraced a life rich in travel, sunshine, and family. They shared memorable trips to Ireland, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, and visits with family in Arizona and Florida. They also treasured time on the water, owning several boats and making trips around the Cape and the Islands, as well as many trips to Block Island. For ten winters, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina became their home away from home. There, Mike enjoyed golf, long beach walks with their dogs, especially Ginger, and quiet hours on the balcony watching the waves, dolphins, and pelicans. He loved spontaneous car rides with Liz and welcoming their children and grandchildren for visits. He most recently celebrated his 80th birthday surrounded by his children in Turks and Caicos, a joyful reflection of the love, adventure, and family that defined his life.

Above all else, he cherished his roles as husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved his family deeply, took great pride in all they did, and was their steady source of strength and encouragement.

Mike is survived by his brother Peter C. Hickey (Gerry), of Glastonbury, CT; his beloved wife of 30 years, Elizabeth (Robbins) Hickey, of East Falmouth, MA; his cherished children Michael J. Hickey (Lenka), of Ormond Beach, FL, Anne E. Fern, of Wethersfield, CT, Brian P. Hickey (Liza), of Carlisle, MA, and Kevin T. Hickey (Rebecca), of Wilton, CT; his stepdaughter Rachel E. Kerrigan (Ryan), of East Falmouth, MA; his stepson Christopher R. Cummings (Angel), of Mashpee, MA; 16 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren (and two more arriving soon) - all of whom were the great joys of his life. Mike was predeceased by his sister, Kathleen E. Arecchi, and by Gale (Fuller) Hickey, mother of his four children.

Michael P. Hickey lived courageously and loved deeply. His legacy of honor, service, and generosity will continue to inspire all who had the privilege to know him.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 PM at Chapman Funerals and Cremations, 74 Algonquin Ave. (RTE 151), in Mashpee. Burial will immediately follow on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 2:30 PM at Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Ave., in Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike's memory may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 or online at www.dana-farber.org.